2-3951.04.

Board members; nominations; notification; procedure.

(1) When nominations for board members are required, written notification shall be given to each producer represented or to be represented by such member, including an at-large member. The first purchaser or purchasers of milk shall notify each producer from whom the first purchaser buys milk that each producer may submit written nominations. If the group represented is a combination of first purchasers of milk and individual producer-processors or if the member is an at-large member, the individual producer-processors shall receive notification from the Department of Agriculture.

(2) Nominations shall be in writing and shall contain an acknowledgment and consent by the producer being nominated. The nomination shall be returned by the producer to the first purchaser of milk or to the department from whom the producer received notification within fifteen days after the receipt of the notification. For nominations to replace a member whose term is to expire or for a new member, the producers shall receive notification between August 1 and August 15 preceding the expiration of the term of the member or the beginning of the term of a new member. For all other vacancies, the producers shall receive notification within thirty days after the member vacates his or her position on the board or within thirty days after the board calls for an at-large member or members as provided in section 2-3951.02.

(3) The first purchasers of milk, the department, or the board shall submit nominations to the Governor by September 30, in the case of term expiration or new or at-large member, or forty-five days after the member vacates his or her position for all other vacancies. The Governor shall make the appointments within thirty days after receipt of the nominations.

(4) All nominees shall meet the qualifications provided in section 2-3951.